Although maybe not ideal because they are harder to keep track of, but split squad games are a good chance to get as many people into game situations as possible.
Playing two games on Thursday, the Pirates were going to have to not only dig deep into their bench (and reserves from minor league camp) but also into their bullpen to cover the 18 innings worth of pitching.
The Pirates made sure they improved on the pitching depth, adding in the Rule 5, free agency and by trade to try and get more bodies in position to help throughout the season.